The architects Hanna Karits and Mari Hunt have accomplished something truly amazing with Põro House, a one-of-a-kind home tucked away in Võru County, Estonia. This house, which is perched on a former cellar in a forest, is a tribute to creative architectural techniques that embrace technology while respecting history. Púro House is a perfect example of modern architecture that respects the historical background of the area and harmonizes with the natural surroundings.
A Respectful Transformation of a Disused Cellar
Põro House sits astride a building that blends the ancient and the modern. In order to minimize its negative environmental effects, the house makes use of the pre-existing basement walls and adds stilts to adjust to the sloping terrain. The stone foundation of the cellar, which is still visible and reachable through an arched doorway beneath the balcony of the new building, is fully utilized in the design of the house. This ingenious integration serves as both a stable and fascinating foundation for the above-mentioned contemporary addition, and it also retains a little of history.
Nearly all of the wood used to build the new building, a cuboidal shape with a pitched roof on top, is harvested locally. This material selection honors the nearby woodland while simultaneously minimizing the environmental impact of the house. Põro House retains a strong link to its natural environment thanks to Karits and Hunt’s usage of specially cut timber from local forests for this project. Using local resources is important and sustainable building practices are emphasized in this approach.
Design Inspired by the Forested Landscape
The limitations and possibilities provided by the existing cellar inform the architectural shape of Põro House. The home’s architecture, which consists of more open living areas encircling smaller center rooms, is dictated by the basement’s tight layout. By building a raised deck supported by stilts, the architects were able to extend the house beyond the footprint of the cellar and provide more space without further upsetting the earth. By blending indoor and outdoor areas together, this addition strengthens the bond between the house and its surroundings.
Põro House’s black-stained timber veneer is modeled after the local traditional farm buildings. In addition to blending in with the surrounding woodland, its black exterior finish also creates a striking contrast with the lighter wooden interiors. The external and interior wood finishes highlight the architects’ dedication to designing a house that complements its natural surroundings while providing a contemporary and cozy living area.
A Thoughtful Interior Layout
Põro House has a well-thought-out interior design that makes the most of the available space and improves quality of life. Reached through a set of metal-mesh steps that ascend to the deck, the primary entry leads to a hallway that also functions as a slender kitchen. This area is arranged to be both aesthetically pleasing and useful, encircling a central wooden volume that houses the pantry and bathroom. The kitchen area’s large windows let in an abundance of natural light, which makes the room feel light and welcoming.
One of the main components of the design is the core volume, which houses the necessities. It makes it possible to designate the remaining ground floor for open-concept living and dining spaces that encircle the whole footprint of the structure. Encouraging an air of spaciousness and movement, this open concept makes the most of the cellar’s constrained space. Large windows are used extensively in these areas, which improves the connection to the outside and lets people take in the surrounding forest.
Warm and Inviting Interiors
The interiors of Põro House are characterized by their warm and inviting ambiance. Larch wood is used extensively throughout the home, adding a sense of warmth and natural beauty. This choice of material not only complements the exterior cladding but also creates a cohesive aesthetic that ties the interior and exterior together. The combination of wood with dark accents, such as black cushions and chairs, adds depth and contrast to the interior spaces, while the dark grey sofa provides a contemporary touch.
A monolithic white fireplace serves as the centerpiece of the living area, offering both a visual focal point and a source of warmth. This fireplace is strategically positioned to be visible from various parts of the open-plan space, enhancing the sense of connection and comfort within the home. The thoughtful arrangement of furnishings and the use of natural materials contribute to a serene and harmonious living environment that aligns with the home’s natural surroundings.
Expanding Upward: The Upper Level
Above the main living level, Põro House features a large bedroom with a pitched ceiling, further emphasizing the home’s vertical connection to its surroundings. This upper-level space is brightened by a fully glazed facade at one end, allowing for abundant natural light and stunning views of the forest. The pitched ceiling adds a sense of height and openness to the bedroom, creating a spacious and airy atmosphere. This design choice reflects the architects’ desire to create a home that feels both grounded in its historical context and open to its natural environment.
The upper-level bedroom also serves as a private retreat within the home, offering a quiet and secluded space that contrasts with the more communal areas on the ground floor. The use of large windows in this space not only enhances the sense of openness but also allows residents to feel a closer connection to the surrounding landscape, even when indoors.
Restoring and Elevating Historical Elements
A significant aspect of the Põro House project is the careful restoration and elevation of historical elements. The architects worked to reinstate features from the original Georgian design that had been lost or altered in previous renovations. This includes the restoration of cantilevered stone stairs, coving moldings, and external windows and walls. By referring to historical documents and taking cues from the original design, Karits and Hunt were able to preserve the building’s historical integrity while introducing modern elements.
Contemporary additions, such as glass screens and warm oak joinery, are used to soften internal partitions and create a seamless blend between the old and the new. Terrazzo basins and bold, color-drenched walls add a touch of modernity, while the extensive use of wood ensures that the home remains grounded in its natural and historical context.
Conclusion: A Modern Home Rooted in Tradition
Põro House stands as a remarkable example of how modern architecture can honor and elevate historical structures while embracing contemporary design principles. By using locally sourced materials and integrating the home with its natural surroundings, Hanna Karits and Mari Hunt have created a residence that is both respectful of its past and forward-thinking in its approach.
This project highlights the importance of sustainable building practices, the value of local craftsmanship, and the potential for architectural innovation to enhance our connection to the natural world. Põro House not only provides a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing living space but also serves as a testament to the enduring relevance of traditional materials and design approaches in the modern architectural landscape.
Photos: Tõnu Tunnel
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